Poem Analysis - As One Does Sickness Over

Introduction: Reflecting on Recovery and Near-Death

Emily Dickinson's "As One Does Sickness Over" is a contemplative poem that explores the psychological aftermath of overcoming a significant hardship, be it illness or a brush with death. The poem adopts a reflective tone, moving from the initial relief of recovery to a deeper questioning of identity in light of the experience. There's a distinct shift from the tangible imagery of sickness and danger to the more abstract realm of the soul and its need for validation. The poem's quiet intensity invites the reader to consider how close encounters with adversity shape our understanding of ourselves and the world.

Theme: Confronting Mortality and its Impact

One of the central themes in the poem is the confrontation with mortality. This is immediately apparent in the first stanza through the metaphor of "Sickness over," suggesting a recovery from a life-threatening illness. The phrase "convalescent Mind" emphasizes the mental process of coming to terms with this experience. The previously "obscured" "Chances," now subject to "scrutiny," hints that the speaker is re-evaluating life's fragility and the possibilities that were once taken for granted. The second stanza further reinforces this theme through the vivid image of rewalking a "Precipice," highlighting the near-death experience. The act of "whittles at the Twig/That held Him from Perdition" suggests a meticulous examination of the event and the precarious nature of existence.

Theme: The Search for Identity Post-Crisis

The poem also delves into the theme of identity, particularly how it is altered by suffering. The final stanza shifts focus from the external event to the internal struggle. "A Custom of the Soul/Far after suffering" indicates that the soul, or the core of one's being, has a practice or habit of responding to hardship. This habit is to "question/Identity," suggesting that suffering throws into doubt who we believe ourselves to be. The line "For evidence't has been" implies a desperate need to find proof of one's existence and resilience in the wake of trauma. The poem suggests that significant experiences can challenge our self-perception and necessitate a process of rediscovery.

Imagery and Symbolism: The Precipice and the Twig

The poem utilizes potent imagery to convey its message. The "Precipice" is a powerful symbol of danger and the nearness of death. It represents a critical point where life and death hang in the balance. The "Twig," a seemingly insignificant object, becomes a symbol of salvation and the slim margin between survival and "Perdition." The act of "whittling" at the twig is particularly striking. It could represent an attempt to understand and control the experience, or perhaps a manifestation of anxiety and a desire to dissect the moment of crisis. The crag acts as base for the twig. The speaker wants to understand what almost caused destruction. It also shows the speaker as analytical.

Theme: Health as a Gift and Curse

The poem subtly touches on the double-edged nature of health. The line "By blessed Health obscured" implies that good health can actually blind us to the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each moment. It's only in the aftermath of sickness, when health is regained, that we can truly appreciate its value and recognize the chances we might have missed. This theme underscores the poem's broader exploration of perspective and how our experiences, particularly those involving adversity, can reshape our understanding of the world.

Conclusion: Re-evaluating Life Through Suffering

In conclusion, "As One Does Sickness Over" is a profound meditation on the psychological impact of overcoming adversity. Dickinson masterfully uses vivid imagery and a reflective tone to explore themes of mortality, identity, and the transformative power of suffering. The poem suggests that close encounters with death or hardship can force us to re-evaluate our lives, question our identities, and ultimately gain a deeper appreciation for the fragile and precious nature of existence. By examining the experience, the speaker is left wondering if the experience, and thus suffering, was a turning point or a blip on the radar.